Authorizing the state historical society to convey certain real property to the Shawnee Tribe.
The bill imposes conditions on the land after its transfer to the Shawnee Tribe. The Tribe agrees to cover all costs associated with the conveyance and must grant Kansas a historic preservation easement. This easement must adhere to current federal preservation laws relating to properties recognized as national historic landmarks. Additionally, the land cannot be utilized for a casino or any other gaming activities, which aligns with ongoing efforts to regulate gaming within tribal lands while preserving historical integrity.
Senate Bill 117 authorizes the state historical society of Kansas to convey certain real property to the Shawnee Tribe. Specifically, the bill concerns approximately 11.97 acres of land located in Johnson County, Kansas. The legislation allows the conveyance of this property through a quitclaim deed, bypassing requirements for appraisal, bidding, or publication that typically govern state property transactions. This statutory change is intended to facilitate the transfer of land to the Shawnee Tribe while ensuring the property’s intended use aligns with historical preservation commitments.
While the bill appears straightforward in its objective to convey land to a tribal government, potential areas of contention may arise from differing perspectives on land use and management. Critics may express concerns over the limitations placed on the Shawnee Tribe concerning property usage, particularly regarding economic development opportunities that could arise from gaming. Furthermore, local stakeholders might debate the implications of state involvement in tribal land issues, especially in relation to sovereignty and local control.